aboutGOLF Vs. TrackMan Golf Simulators: Which Is Better?

Golf simulators have become an increasingly popular way for golfers to practice and play golf indoors. Two of the most well-known brands of high-end golf simulators are aboutGOLF and TrackMan.

But which one is better?

Here is an in-depth comparison of the key features and performance of aboutGOLF and TrackMan golf simulators to help you decide which is the best fit for your needs and budget.

A Brief Comparison Table

Feature	aboutGOLF	TrackMan
Tracking Technology	Stereoscopic cameras	Dual radar
Data Capture Speed	2000+ images/second	Up to 100 samples/second
Shot Simulation	80+ courses	100+ courses
Portability	Hitting bays only	Highly portable
Practice Analytics	Very good	Superior
Club Fitting	Virtual fitting	On-site fitting
Base Price	<$10k	~$20k
High-End Price	~$40k	$60k+
Installation	Permanent bays	Portable setup
Space Needed	10′ x 12′ area	12′ x 16′ area
Maintenance	Minimal	Annual recalibration
Key Advantages	Lower cost, easier installation	Maximum data precision

Overview of aboutGOLF and TrackMan Golf Simulators

aboutGOLF simulators use advanced digital imaging and stereoscopic cameras to precisely track ball and club data.

Their simulators capture over 2,000 3D images per second to pinpoint ball spin, launch angle, club path, and more.

This allows for highly detailed analytics and simulation play on over 80 world-famous golf courses.

aboutGOLF simulators range from the lower priced aG Classic, aG Sport, and aG Space models to the high-end aG Vision models.

TrackMan utilizes advanced Doppler radar technology to measure the entire flight of a golf shot from impact to landing. With dual radar beams, TrackMan captures shot data up to 100 times per second for ultra-precise swing and ball flight analysis.

TrackMan simulators combine this ball flight data with high-definition graphics to render simulated play on a wide selection of courses. TrackMan offers several models ranging from the lower cost TrackMan 4 to the top-of-the-line TrackMan Range.

Key Features and Technology Comparison

When comparing the core technology between these two simulator brands, here are some key differences:

• Tracking technology: aboutGOLF uses stereoscopic cameras while TrackMan uses dual radar beams to track shots.
• Data capture speed: aboutGOLF captures 2000+ images per second while TrackMan captures up to 100 data samples per second.
• Metrics measured: Both measure the full trajectory of each shot and key data like ball speed, launch angle, backspin, sidespin, club path, clubface angle, etc. However, TrackMan claims to have more extensive club and ball impact data.
• Simulation capabilities: Both offer course simulation capabilities with realistic graphics and scoring. aboutGOLF currently offers simulations of 80+ courses while TrackMan has 100+ courses.
• Custom fitting: Both systems use the captured data to fit players with optimally customized clubs. aboutGOLF focuses on virtual club fitting while TrackMan specializes in live on-site club fitting.
• Portability: TrackMan range units are highly portable to use both indoors and outdoors. aboutGOLF simulators are permanently installed into bays and not portable.

So in summary, TrackMan utilizes more advanced radar technology to capture marginally more shot data, while aboutGOLF offers excellent camera-based tracking and simulation play. aboutGOLF has a lower price point, while TrackMan focuses on high-end performance.

Key Differences Between aboutGOLF And TrackMan Golf Simulators

Simulation and Practice Capabilities

One of the main benefits of both TrackMan and aboutGOLF golf simulators is their ability to realistically simulate playing on world-famous golf courses. This allows you to practice and play rounds when the weather or time of day does not permit actual course play.

Here is how the simulation capabilities compare:

• Course library: aboutGOLF currently offers simulations of over 80 championship courses and continues to add more. TrackMan has a library of 100+ courses with new courses added monthly. Both have excellent course variety.
• Realism: Users report the visual realism and accuracy of both simulator systems to be excellent. Details like landscape, shadows, and terrain changes are realistic on both platforms.
• Green contours: Subtle greens contours and breaks are replicated nicely on both simulators although some users feel TrackMan has a slight edge in green precision.
• Simulation statistics: Both systems allow you to track fairways hit, greens in regulation, putts, penalties, and final score for simulated rounds. TrackMan claims to offer more detailed stats.
• Multiplayer: aboutGOLF and TrackMan both facilitate simulator play and tournaments for groups of golfers, enhancing realism and competitiveness.

For practice, both simulators provide extensive analytics on your swing, ball strike, launch metrics, and shot patterns. However, TrackMan is widely considered to have a significant advantage in practice and analysis capabilities:

• Practice metrics: TrackMan captures more data samples per shot and has more in-depth club and ball impact analytics. This allows for more detailed practice feedback.
• Analysis tools: TrackMan has more advanced built-in tools like shot tracer, practice range, compare analysis, progress tracking, and combine sessions.
• Coaching connectivity: TrackMan integrates with various coaching apps and teaching professionals can remotely monitor your practice sessions.

So in summary, both provide excellent simulation realism for virtual rounds. However, TrackMan excels in the amount of data captured for each shot and the array of tools to analyze your practice sessions.

Custom Club Fitting

A major benefit of using a high-end golf simulator like TrackMan or aboutGOLF is taking advantage of their club fitting capabilities. By analyzing your swing metrics and ball flight data, both systems can recommend the optimal club specifications including length, loft, shaft flex, and more. Here is how the club fitting capabilities compare:

• Virtual vs in-person fitting: aboutGOLF focuses primarily on providing virtual club fitting recommendations based on your session data. TrackMan is optimized for live, on-site club fitting analysis.
• Clubhead analytics: TrackMan claims to capture more detailed clubhead metrics at impact including path, face angle, dynamic loft, and more for very precise fitting.
• Shaft profiling: Both can make recommendations on shaft flex, torque, kickpoint and other specifications by analyzing your tempo, transition force, and launch conditions.
• OEM club databases: Both pull from extensive databases of major OEM club specifications to match you with ideal clubs, although TrackMan has relationships with more major golf brands.
• Accuracy: Users report excellent real-world performance from clubs fit by both aboutGOLF and TrackMan when ordering the recommended specifications.

Overall, TrackMan may have a slight technology edge for club fitting but both produce excellent customized club recommendations based on your swing DNA. aboutGOLF focuses on remote virtual fitting while TrackMan specializes in on-site fitting.

Pricing and Value Comparison

One of the biggest differences between aboutGOLF and TrackMan golf simulators is the pricing and overall value:

• Base models: The lowest priced aboutGOLF model starts under $10k while base TrackMan models start around $18-20k.
• High-end models: Fully equipped aboutGOLF simulators go up to around $40k while high-end TrackMan systems can cost over $60k.
• Software updates: aboutGOLF includes free lifetime software updates while TrackMan charges an annual fee for software upgrades.
• Additional costs: TrackMan radar units require annual recalibration at extra cost while aboutGOLF camera systems have minimal maintenance.
• Resale value: Based on used sale listings, TrackMan radar units may retain resale value better over time compared to aboutGOLF.
• Cost per capability: While TrackMan costs considerably more, some serious golfers feel the additional performance metrics and practice tools justify the higher price point.

Overall aboutGOLF provides excellent technology and simulation capabilities at a significantly lower price point compared to the premium TrackMan systems. However, TrackMan still dominates with 90% market share in the high-end simulator market based on its reputation for the most precise and extensive shot data capture capabilities.

Also Read: Differences Between Golfzon And TrackMan Golf Simulators.

Ease of Installation and Required Space

When choosing a golf simulator, an important consideration is the space required and ease of installation. Here is how aboutGOLF and TrackMan compare in these regards:

• Installation: aboutGOLF simulators require professional installation, calibration, and dedicated hitting bays. TrackMan range systems are portable and do not require permanent installation.
• Space requirements: aboutGOLF hitting bays start at 10′ x 12′ with recommended height of 12′. TrackMan ranges require about 12′ x 16′ of swing space.
• Ceiling height: aboutGOLF recommends at least 10′ to 12′ while TrackMan ideally needs 12′ to 18′ ceilings to capture full ball flight.
• Lighting: Consistent ambient lighting away from direct sunlight is important for both. aboutGOLF also recommends no overhead lighting directly in hitting area.
• Portability: TrackMan range systems are highly portable to different indoor or outdoor locations. aboutGOLF simulators are permanently installed.

So in summary, TrackMan radar units offer greater flexibility for temporary setup in limited spaces whereas aboutGOLF simulators require dedicated installed hitting bays but with slightly smaller space requirements.

Ease of Use and Ongoing Ownership

Once installed, here are some key factors impacting ongoing ease of use and ownership:

• Software learning curve: both aboutGOLF and TrackMan simulators have intuitive software interfaces. However, TrackMan’s wider array of performance metrics and practice tools may require more initial learning.
• Shot tracking: AboutGOLF cameras may occasionally lose ball tracking, requiring manual recentering. TrackMan’s dual radar system provides near-continuous automated tracking.
• Support and troubleshooting: AboutGOLF provides remote tech support with minimal issues reported. TrackMan also has responsive support although potential for more troubleshooting with radar electronics.
• Maintenance: AboutGOLF cameras require little ongoing calibration or care besides cleaning. TrackMan radar units recommend annual factory recalibration.
• Durability: Both systems are built for longevity, although aboutGOLF users report excellent reliability over 5+ years. TrackMan also has long-term durability although sensitive to impacts.

Overall, both simulators are easy to use once familiar with the software interface. aboutGOLF may provide lower maintenance ownership long-term although TrackMan’s advanced radar does require proper care and recalibration.

Which Should You Choose?

When choosing between aboutGOLF and TrackMan golf simulators, key factors to consider are your budget, focus on simulation play versus performance analysis, available space, and ease of installation.

Here are some quick recommendations based on priority:

• For lower cost and quicker installation, choose aboutGOLF.
• For maximum shot data and practice analytics, go with TrackMan.
• If simulation golf play is your priority, either will provide an excellent experience.
• For permanent installation with multiple bays, lean towards aboutGOLF.
• For portable indoor/outdoor use, TrackMan range units are ideal.

Also Read: Comparison of Fiberbuilt And TrueStrike Golf Mats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

While TrackMan remains the gold standard for PGA tour pros and elite players, aboutGOLF offers comparable simulation realism for amateur golfers at a fraction of the cost.

Unless you really need the extra 1% of data precision and analysis tools offered by TrackMan, an aboutGOLF simulator will satisfy the vast majority of golfers.

But for those seeking the absolute maximum in swing analytics, TrackMan still dominates the market. Whichever option you choose, both aboutGOLF and TrackMan will help you improve your game indoor all year round.